ARTIE SHAW'S "THE QUEST FOR PERFECTION " PART SIX. 

It is perfection.

This is absolute sublime clarinet playing by Artie. Such a terrible shame that after these sessions he decided to put his clarinet down. Surely he must be considered as one of the worlds lost talents because he had many years potentially of beautiful clarinet playing ahead. Leading a ghost band I think was second prize, really everybody wanted to hear Artie play again. Underrated by many I believe, Goodman always seemed to get the plaudits but my favourite by far was Artie. Thanks for posting this clip, I remember seeing it on the television and it was a wonderful reminder of this man’s unique craft.

What a lineup of musicians....!

i like to see Artie with the clarinet... He was one of the best...

I always listen to this whenever I want to go to that very private "other world" where one experiences the very essence of our spiritual depth (same with Bechet's "Strange Fruit")

Absoluttly Geniale.....

Often wondered just what Artie's favorite recordings were (of his own)

I think artie was looking for a jazz purity here (and I guess he achieved it). Note you he speaks about the Buffet vs Selmer nearly dismissing the Selmer as a commercial instrument and referring to the Buffet as an "intimate" sound. Whatever he had in mind this turned out to be a stunningly beautiful clarinet rendering .I love it.

Take note of the ending i have quoted what he says to many people who think they are perfectionists.